How To Get From Malaga Airport To Malaga City Centre

Malaga Airport is located just 12km from Malaga city centre, and subsequently, there are several ways in which you can travel between the two locations depending on your requirements.

The best way to travel from Malaga Airport to Malaga city centre is by train. The station is just outside of the airport terminal, the journey takes around 16 minutes and tickets cost just €1.80 per person.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling as a family with children then it may be more convenient for you to travel direct from the airport to your accommodation in the city centre via taxi. Multiple taxi options are available depending on your requirements but you’ll typically be looking at a cost of around €20 to €25 one way.

⏱️ Time: 15 mins
💵 Cost: €20 – €25
💻 Reserve Taxi: Hoppa

The quickest and easiest way to get from Malaga Airport to Malaga city centre is by taxi since a taxi is able to pick you up just outside of the airport terminal and drop you off right outside your accommodation in the town.

Malaga city centre is situated just 12km east of Malaga and subsequently, the journey should only take around 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and the exact location of your accommodation within Malaga city centre.

Alternatively, you can use the ride-sharing service Uber which has a dedicated pick-up point just outside the arrivals terminal which is once again heavily sign-posted both inside and outside of the building.

The pricing model of Uber differs from that of a traditional taxi in that the price is dynamic based on the demand for the service in the area at that time. However, in contrast, you can see the exact cost of the journey in advance for the type of vehicle that you require.

The price difference between Uber and a traditional taxi should be no more than €5. Therefore when choosing between an Uber and a traditional taxi, it’s really about which service is most convenient for you.

⏱️ Time: 50 mins
💵 Cost: €30 per day (hire car only)
💻 Book Hire Car: Discover Cars

If you’re looking to explore the Costa Del Sol during your trip to Malaga then it may be a good idea to hire a car since it will provide you with a lot of flexibility and likely work out to be a cost-effective transport method over the long term.

If you decide that renting a car is right for you then I recommend picking the car up from Malaga Airport and then driving it to your accommodation in Malaga city centre.

The best way to rent a car in the Costa Del Sol region is to book online since you’re able to compare the different car hire companies and cars available to find the right option for your needs.

Once you’ve booked your hire car you’ll want to go and check in with the company and pick up the keys to your vehicle from the car hire desk at the airport upon your arrival. All of the car hire companies operating from Malaga Airport are located on the lower level of the terminal, meaning you’ll need to take an elevator from the baggage claims area down to level -1 (again this is well sign posted inside the terminal).

The cost of hiring a car from Malaga Airport varies significantly depending on the company and the type of vehicle you select. However, the cost of the vehicle isn’t the only thing you want to consider, you’ll also want to think about petrol / gas and the cost of parking, especially at your accommodation (luxury hotels in the region have been known to charge up to €35 a night for parking).

Subsequently, if you don’t plan to explore more of the Costa Del Sol region during your trip to Malaga city centre then it’s likely a hire car is an unnecessary expense and instead, I’d recommend taking a taxi from the airport to the city instead.

⏱️ Time: 16 mins
💵 Cost: €1.80
💻 Buy Tickets: Omio

Malaga Airport train station is situated just outside of the airport terminal and is well-signposted both inside and outside of the building. From this station, you can take the Renfe C1 train to Malaga city centre in just 16 minutes at a cost of €1.80.

Tickets for the train can be purchased from the ticket machines just inside the station. However, depending on your arrival time in Malaga you may find that the machines are incredibly busy and in that case, you can use your bank card to tap and go through the entrance gates at Malaga Airport station and again as you exit at the station in Malaga city centre.

Trains from Malaga Airport to Malaga city centre station start at 06:36 and end at 00:46. As such if you’re travelling between the hours of 01:00 and 06:30 you’ll want to take a taxi instead.

There are two stations in Malaga city centre where you may want to alight based on where in the city your accommodation is located.

• Málaga María Zambrano Train Station
• Málaga-Centro-Alameda

Keep in mind that once you arrive in Malaga city you’ll still need to travel to your accommodation. If you have a large amount of luggage this may require you to get a taxi which should cost a couple of Euros.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling light, are in good physical condition and have booked accommodation central to the town then you should be able to walk instead.

⏱️ Time: 20 mins
💵 Cost: €3.00
💻 Buy Bus Tickets: Omio

It’s also possible to take a bus from Malaga Airport to Malaga city centre, however given the speed at which the bus travels and the number of stops on the journey it takes around twice as long when compared to the train – and costs more too!

Buses run every 15 – 20 minutes from the bus stop outside of the airport’s arrival hall which is well-signposted both inside and outside of the building. The journey costs €3 per person and you’re able to pay the driver directly as you get on the bus.

⏱️ Time: 35 mins
💵 Cost: €0
💻 Reserve Transfer: Hoppa

If you have booked to stay in Malaga as part of a holiday package with the likes of Tui and Jet2 then it’s likely your shuttle bus from the airport direct to your hotel will be included as part of your package.

In that case, you’ll want to check the booking documents you have received to see if you have been provided with any transfer information. If you are unsure I recommend speaking directly to a travel agent from the company either in person where applicable or over the phone.

Package holiday operators are available in the arrivals hall which you pass through as you head towards the building’s exit from the baggage area. From here you’ll be directed as to where you need to go to board your bus.

Keep in mind that the bus will likely make multiple stops at several hotels for other guests. As such in some cases a taxi, although more expensive may be worth the additional cost.